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Downtown Lawton

Downtown Lawton

$99,272 Average Value
$298 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Eclectic homes in Lawton’s core

Lawton’s past and future collide in Downtown Lawton, where established retailers sit comfortably beside a high-tech business center promising innovation for the future. When people walk along the neighborhood’s C Avenue, the city’s de facto main street, longtime storefronts like Edward's Men's Wear – established in 1954 – live across the street from FISTA, a business accelerator that supports business in the aerospace and defense industries. The opportunity and amenities available here help attract people to the area’s varied inventory of homes. “There are things to do around there because most of the area is zoned commercial,” says Heaven Speirs, a local Realtor with Park Jones Realty and a Lawton native. “Housing tends to be less expensive here compared to homes on the edges of town."
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Homes hold plenty of character

Downtown Lawton's home inventory can’t be described as cookie-cutter. While the core of downtown, around C Avenue, is mostly commercial, the area fans out into residential blocks with houses that date as far back as the early 20th century, around the time when Lawton was founded. There’s no telling what a turn down one of downtown’s blocks may reveal — the area has everything from bungalows under 1,000 square feet to multistory, brick colonials over 3,000 square feet. Many of the homes have evolved over time, too. “Most of the homes that have been well-maintained have been expanded and modified over time,” Speirs says. “So you’ll get a house that has quirky and unique architecture because it started as something small and was adapted to modern living.”

Most properties rest on narrow lots with fenced-in backyards. The variety of styles here lends to a wide range of pricing. Investors, or those who don’t mind putting in elbow grease, can find properties in need of work from $10,000 to $50,000. Options that are more move-in ready may be priced anywhere from $80,000 to $300,000 depending on the square footage. There are some rental properties in the area as well, some of which may be appealing to members of the military arriving for neighboring Fort Sill. The base includes field artillery schools for the Army and the Marines and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Downtown Lawton features early 20th-century homes, with each street uniquely diverse.
Downtown Lawton features early 20th-century homes, with each street uniquely diverse.
Beautiful colonial homes with multiple stories are common in Downtown Lawton.
Beautiful colonial homes with multiple stories are common in Downtown Lawton.
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There’s plenty to see along C Avenue

Downtown Lawton’s C Avenue is a peek into Lawton’s past, complete with the slanted spaces on either side of the road for people to park, just like they were decades ago. Eddie Hamra, owner of Edward’s Men’s Wear, has seen the strip evolve over time, though. His shop was once located on the opposite side of the street from its current spot, before the Central Plaza Mall was built in 1979. The mall houses retailers like JCPenney and Hibbett Sports. Edward’s has continued to carve out its niche and is known for its selection of suits. “People have the tendency to think if you’re the only guy in town then you’re not trying. Trust me, we’re trying. Seventy years tells you we’re trying,” Hamra says. “So, we’re in an unusual place. We don’t have a lot of competition. Many of the brands I carry, I’m exclusive with.” Burgess Grill, less than mile away, nearly matches Edward’s with more than 60 years in business. “It’s a staple in Lawton,” says local Realtor Terri Strecker of RE/MAX, who has almost 20 years of real estate experience. The spot's burgers have won multiple awards as the best in Lawton. Burgess is across the road from Brame Elite Cigars & Member Lounge, a spot that’s been open 15 years and touts the largest selection of imported and hand-rolled cigars between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Buffalo Grove Coffee Company is a well-liked space full of comfy chairs to sit and relax in with a cup of coffee. “You can just come in, hang out with your friends, or find a little quiet corner to sit and do your business, schoolwork, whatever it is that you need to do,” says owner Kandi Roeske.

Downtown’s local stalwarts intermingle with FISTA, which is connected to the mall and opened in 2023. A space for defense contractors, FISTA is projected to bring in more than 200 tech jobs in the coming years, benefiting from its location just about 5 miles from Fort Sill. “There’s a lot of stuff going on here,” says local Realtor Barbara Clark, of Barbara Clark Realty, and has 14 years of real estate experience. “Lawton has lots of room to grow.” Downtown is also home to the Comanche County Courthouse and city hall, which is housed in an imposing Greek Revival-style building that used to be Lawton High. Those looking to test their luck have the Comanche Nation Casino the Apache Casino Hotel, on the outskirts of downtown. “They have events there, like comedy, concerts,” Clark says. “They’ve really stepped it up, and draw people to Lawton.” Downtown Lawton’s CAP Index Crime Score is 6 out of 10, slightly above the national average.
Residents of Downtown Lawton get their suits at Edward’s.
Residents of Downtown Lawton get their suits at Edward’s.
Central Plaza Lawton in Downtown is a popular shopping mall with various stores.
Central Plaza Lawton in Downtown is a popular shopping mall with various stores.
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Arts for All is a big attraction

There’s no shortage of community events for locals each year, from the fireworks of the Freedom Festival around the Fourth of July to the lights of Holiday in the Park in November and December. Arts for All, a three-day art and music showcase in May, is another standout. “It really brings a lot of great artists in, not just local but from around this area,” Hamra says. “Texas, Arkansas, Kansas. A lot of people come in for this, and an event, I think, we look the most forward to each year.”

Schools like Whittier Elementary come close by

The Lawton Public Schools system has a B grade on Niche. Some in the area start at Whittier Elementary, a B-minus-rated school tucked in between a cluster of homes. Whittier offers before- and after-school programming. It’s also close enough for families to walk their kids to school. “People like that,” Clark says. Students can then participate in sports ranging from cross country to soccer at the B-rated Central Middle. Extracurricular activities at the B-minus-rated Lawton High include an Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association academic team. Other education opportunities in the area include Great Plains Technology Center, where students can hone a trade, and Cameron University, a public university with over 50 programs. “We get people from other countries, and Cameron draws in a lot of students,” says Clark.
Whittier Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
Whittier Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
The Lawton High School offers the Lawton neighborhood a dynamic learning environment.
The Lawton High School offers the Lawton neighborhood a dynamic learning environment.
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Prairie dogs, and people, take advantage of Elmer Thomas Park

Peruse Elmer Thomas Park’s rolling hills and visitors are likely to find quite a few furry critters around. This 143-acre space is known in part as a haven for prairie dogs, a type of squirrel. It also offers a sizable covered playground, a splash pad, a lake that’s open to fishing and walking trails. “I think it’s one of the few parks that people know by name,” Speirs says. “If someone’s going to go to a park to walk or hang out with their family, that is probably where they’re going to go. You'll see a variety of runners, joggers, families with strollers, people walking their dogs - folks from all walks of life.” Locals looking for a bit of a getaway can take the 20-mile trip up to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a roughly 60,000-acre expanse with mountain views and opportunities for hiking, fishing and more. “Many of the locals will plan day trips at the mountains to look at the wildlife, hike, picnic, and enjoy nature.” Speirs says. “Visitors can check out the Visitors Center at the refuge to learn about local animals and the history of the area.”
You can easily spot cute prairie dogs in Downtown Lawton.
You can easily spot cute prairie dogs in Downtown Lawton.
The tank at Elmer Thomas Park is a favorite climbing spot for kids.
The tank at Elmer Thomas Park is a favorite climbing spot for kids.
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Interstate 44 connects Downtown Lawton to the greater region

Lawton commuters have quick access to Interstate 44, which is a starting point for trips to Oklahoma City, just under 90 miles away. Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport offers commercial flights on American Airlines and is about 2 miles from downtown. Lawton Area Transit System has five bus routes that run throughout the city.
Downtown Lawton is near I-44, which connects residents to the surrounding region.
Downtown Lawton is near I-44, which connects residents to the surrounding region.
Downtown Lawton has multiple bus stops on five routes by Lawton Area Transit.
Downtown Lawton has multiple bus stops on five routes by Lawton Area Transit.
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kimberly Thomas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lawton-Fort Sill Regional

12 min drive

Bus

Lawton, Ok

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Lawton US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Lawton Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$437,450
Median Sale Price
$425,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$425,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$550,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
27%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$298

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,234
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1939
Months of Supply
8.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,287
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,583
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,560

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    2 - 3:30pm

    1407 & 1407 1/2 NW Columbia Ave, Lawton, OK 73507

    $158,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,259 Sq Ft
    • 1407 & 1407 1/2 NW Columbia Ave

    TWO HOUSES ON ONE LOT! Have your own home and rent out the 2nd home. Rent both for the potential income of $1,600 / Month. Move a relative in the 2nd home. The potential is plenty! The main house, 2 Bed/1 Bath approx 800 sf. Back house, 1 Bed/1 Bath approx 460 sf. New flooring throughout, completely renovated both houses. Wood privacy fence. Shed. Separate gate for entry to the back house.

    Irene Ellis Happy Homes Realty LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kimberly Thomas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
7,445
Median Age
39
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$30,979
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,159

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.7%
College Graduates
18.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.4%
% Population in Labor Force
50.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

73 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

72 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Lawton